Finzi Quartet
The award-winning Finzi Quartet make their debut recording here with a stunning selection of works by the great English composer Gerald Finzi (1901-1956).

Included is Finzi's song cycle for baritone and string quartet By Footpath and Stile, Op. 2, featuring the acclaimed young baritone Marcus Farnsworth. The recording also features Finzi’s Interlude for oboe and string quartet with oboist Ruth Bolister and four arrangements for string quartet by Christian Alexander, including the popular Five Bagatelles with clarinettist Robert Plane, recorded here for the first time.

'[...] this is a release of real quality. The two most striking works, impressive in Finzi's equable way are By Footpath and Stile and the oddly named Interlude [...] for oboe and quartet. Soloists Marcus Farnsworth and Ruth Bolister excel in each work.'BBC Music Magazine

'[...] this is a release of real quality. The two most striking works, impressive in Finzi's equable way are By Footpath and Stile and the oddly named Interlude [...] for oboe and quartet. Soloists Marcus Farnsworth and Ruth Bolister excel in each work.'BBC Music Magazine

'The members of the Finzi Quartet are ideal accompanists and, indeed, the disc is really theirs [...] I have to say that for me these arrangements seem ideal: they fit the music like a glove [...] the rewards here are high.'International Record Review

'[...] Marcus Farnsworth captures the introspective melancholy of the cycle splendidly and the award-winning Finzi Quartet provide an intimately measured accompaniment, full of nuance and tender hues.' Gramophone

'The quality of the recorded sound is excellent [...] All in all, this may well be the best introduction to Finzi that I've come across. I look forward to hearing the Finzi Quartet again.'Fanfare

'[...] the players refect the cycle's preoccupations with separation especially richly [...] This is a must for Finzi fans, but also for those whose reservations have previously been provoked by cloying string textures.'The Strad

‘[...] a stylish performance from baritone Marcus Farnsworth [...] his voice is well suited to Finzi’s manner as is the playing of the eponymous Finzi Quartet, both here and in the other works. With equally fine assistance from Robert Plane and Ruth Bolister, good recording and excellent notes, this deserves a strong recommendation’MusicWeb International

'The Finzi Quartet bring elegance of musical line, as well as sensitivity of nuance throughout. Their solo items are compelling while their work with others expands the field without ever disrupting the hushed introspection of the whole disc'Lark Reviews